What should I ask before hand?

I did call today and they told me the brand is Metronic?? She also said that it hasnt been recalled lately??? She did not know whether it was a 2 or 3 wire. They did say it would go under the breast tissue and the scar will be almost in my armpit. She also said once I've done the 30 day interrigation, I can get a local hospital rep to start doing them.

I just still feel like I'm not asking the right questions. Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks
Andrea

3 Comments

Hi Andrea

by Pookie - 2010-02-03 09:02:17

I have a Medtronic Enpulse. I've had mine since November of 2004. Mine has 2 leads (wires). One is in the upper part of my heart called the right atria and the other one is down in my right ventricle. I have mine for Heart Block. Medtronic is a pretty good brand. Head office is in Minnesota. You will actually get a card (that looks like a credit card) with their phone number on it, plus your brand of pacer and what type of leads...you should always carry it with you!

When she said is hasn't been recalled lately that means they haven't had any problems with that particular model. Sometimes, very rarely actually, a lead may be "recalled"...I'm sure you've heard of a car company doing recalls on parts...same type of thing.

If you happen to have 3 wires, the 3rd would go into your left ventricle.

I don't know exactly where yours is being placed as mine is just under the skin (not under the breast tissue) but I've read here quite a few times that woman have had this done (the way yours is going to be) because it will be WAY less visible. Go look on the Member Gallery as a few of us have actually posted photos of our pacers...where they are placed.

You are asking the correct questions.

And they should give you a booklet before you leave the hospital with the do's and don'ts post-op.

Just remember that whenever you have your pacemaker interrogated.....insist that you also have a copy of that report. It will probably look all greek to you, but there are members here that will help you decipher what it all means. Just ask for that report every time!!!!!!!

I'll send you some other information via private message.

good luck
Pookie

Got to do it, if doc says it will help.

by Chukar huntr - 2010-02-03 10:02:49

I have heart block as well. Most of last year. A pacemaker was put in on Dec 9,2009 in Seattle. So far, so good. Honestly, there is some adjustment, physically and mentally. It is pretty scary when they tell you that you need a heart "procedure" done. I was shocked at first, still have some moments. I have been an active runner my whole adult life, am back at it daily. An hour per. Never, ever would have thought I would have been a candidate for something like this. As I was leaving the University hospital this past monday, an aqaintance from my home town was just going in the cardiology. He is recovering from having a new heart put in !!!!! Made me feel very lucky. Take care....

medtronic

by dwelch - 2010-02-06 02:02:36


i am on my third medtronic pacer, probably 2-4 more years on this one.

I cant speak from experience but my guess these are not like car seat belt recalls. I figure either your doc or the pacer company, both of which know exactly what model you have, what leads, have all the serial numbers, etc. Will call you. I do not have first hand experience with that though, my pacers have all been good so far.

it is good to ask questions and learn the lingo, but even if you dont, the docs, nurses, ep, techs all know what they are doing and will walk you through the process even if you cant think of the right questions.

If nothing else just worry about the procedure itself. When do I get there, what can I eat or drink how many hours before. Do I spend the night before there or should I get a room in a hotel near by. Will I spend the night after or two or will I go home the next day. What are the kinds of things during the procedure that would change it from going home that day to spending the night.

From there when they send you home they will no doubt give you stuff to read and lots of instructions, few if any of which you will remember, you are drugged and just had surger, dont worry about it. Half the folks on this site have had at least one, we can fill you in on what you missed. (the other half of the folks here are about to get one)

Just take it one day at a time.


You know you're wired when...

Your old device becomes a paper weight for your desk.

Member Quotes

I'm 35 and got my pacemaker a little over a year ago. It definitely is not a burden to me. In fact, I have more energy (which my husband enjoys), can do more things with my kids and have weight because of having the energy.